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Queenspark CEO Catherine Radowsky with some transitional items from her store. The dress is R699 and the wedges are R299.

Drab colours don’t have to dominate your cupboard when temperatures plummet in the ensuing months.

If anything, says Queenspark CEO Catherine Radowsky, vibrant shades of cerise, cobalt, orange and emerald green will feature prominently at their stores this autumn/winter season.

As bright colours arealready dominating the retail environment this summer, it will simply carry over into the winter fabrics of luxury and stretch fabrics, forecasts Radowsky.

She says the trend consumers can expect to see a lot of is colour-blocking, all underpinned by black. Tipping and stripes in contrasting colours will also appear on jackets, shell tops, shift dresses and knitwear, says Radowsky.

“And these are definitely the must-have looks for the season.”

Although Queenspark’s target market is consumers with a “youthful attitude” and contemporary tastes, she explains that they also provide for the “classic customer who is often the forgotten woman”. And what’s proven to be popular among these clients is the brand’s attention to detail, be it through colour combinations, trims or fabrics.

So if vibrant shades aren’t for you, then there are always the classics to fall back on, which will be updated in the key shapes for autumn/winter in much-loved neutrals, greys and blacks, suggests Radowsky.

This winter layering is essential, especially with exaggerated cowls and cap-sleeve knitwear which look perfect over skinny legs.

“There is a definite play on textures, especially in the casual weekend wear.”

Radowsky says the forthcoming season features trends that are “hot off the high street overseas”.

But, Queenspark have also incorporated a “South Africanism” that is interpreted in their ranges through a focus on fits and culture.

With so many fashioin websites and glossy magazinespronounding on what’s hot and what’s not in terms of fashion, Radowsky has a key simple tip for women – “flatter your body type, first and foremost”.

She says it is possible to maintain a trendy and stylish look within a tight budget.

“The trick on a tight budget is to buy the key items or colours and trends that can be dressed up or down using our denim range, with new leg shapes in classic colours.

“Accessories are also key to keeping on trend for the season and they don’t cost a fortune.” For example, statement neckwear and earrings are must-have items. And to pair off that stylish winter look, boots are hot for the season.

“It’s back to the wedges, rider, slouch, killer heels, stretch, suede, leather, block heels, you name it,” Radowsky says.

She adds that you can team your looks with fur, crochet scarves and hats. Interesting fabrics are also key to completing the look, along with the season’s new handbag shapes in solid colours.

Radowsky adds that another popular item that will feature in the coming season is the court shoe in assorted fabrics and with various heel shapes in patent, suede, animal print, bright or neutral shades.